Toothache pain meds

Toothache often comes from inflamed pulp inside a tooth, exposed dentin, a cracked filling, or infection around the root. Medicines act on pain and inflammation elsewhere in the body, while the dental cause remains in the tooth or gum.

Follow the label for a suitable nonprescription pain reliever and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you have ulcers, kidney disease, liver disease, take blood thinners, are pregnant, or are treating a child. Keep food away from the painful area, rinse gently with warm water, and do not place aspirin or crushed tablets on the gum.

Arrange a dental visit promptly if pain lasts, returns when medicine wears off, or comes with sensitivity to heat, swelling, a bad taste, or pain on biting. Facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever, or swelling near the eye needs urgent care.

Ask whether the pain comes from decay, pulp inflammation, a fracture, or gum disease, and what examination or radiograph is needed. Ask which treatment will address the cause, how to use pain medicine with your current medicines, and what warning signs require urgent help.